The Israeli government officially approved a ceasefire agreement on Saturday, aiming to secure the release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip. The decision follows a lengthy meeting with all cabinet members, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office announced.
According to Israeli media reports, 24 ministers voted in favor of the deal, while eight opposed it. \"The government has approved the framework for the return of the hostages. The framework for the hostages' release will come into effect on Sunday,\" Netanyahu's office stated.
Despite the announcement, medics in Gaza reported that an Israeli air strike early on Saturday killed three people in a tent in the Mawasi area west of Khan Younis in the enclave's south. This incident brings the number of Palestinians killed by Israeli strikes since the ceasefire pact was announced on Wednesday to 119.
Lead U.S. negotiator Brett McGurk indicated that the White House expects the ceasefire to commence on Sunday morning, with three female hostages to be released to Israel on Sunday afternoon through the Red Cross.
\"We have locked down every single detail in this agreement. We are quite confident… it is ready to be implemented on Sunday,\" McGurk told CNN from the White House.
Under the terms of the deal, the ceasefire begins with an initial six-week phase that includes hostage-for-prisoner exchanges and could pave the way toward ending the 15-month-old war. Thirty-three Israeli hostages, including women, children, and men over 50, are due to be freed in this phase. In exchange, Israel will release all Palestinian women and children under 19 detained in Israeli jails by the end of the first phase.
The ceasefire agreement brings a glimmer of hope to a region marred by prolonged conflict, with international observers cautiously optimistic about the potential for lasting peace. The successful implementation of the agreement could mark a significant step toward resolving tensions and restoring stability in the area.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
